Structures that Adhere to Safe Architectural Standards

As we entered a new millennium, we are witnessing more natural catastrophic incidences than ever. The year started with wildfires, earthquakes and everything else. The consequences of global warming are manifold. These events can wreak havoc on human life, wildlife and the environment. Together we can make a difference in combating the disastrous effects of these unforeseen events. However, prevention is also the best way to go about it.

Earthquakes have become a regular occurrence causing massive damages. While no structure can be fully earthquake proof, engineers are using innovative techniques and designs to safeguard new structures. These construction techniques help to reduce destruction and save precious lives. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6 Richter scale and above can damage any building. Lack of habitable land and increasing human population are leading to the construction of high-rise buildings that stand at a higher risk of being destroyed by earthquakes. It is also easier to evacuate people through stairs in a low-rise building compared to a high-rise building. However, modern evacuation techniques are often inbuilt in tall buildings. A popular example would be the World trade centre tragedy in 2011, many people could not make it to the ground floor because of the height of the building. Engineers are striving to create partially earthquake-resistant structures. Unreinforced bricks plastered with mortar are dangerous structures and can be reduced to rubble in case of any seismic shock waves. MP Birla is one of the best cement companies in India. The major types of cement manufactured by MP Birla are OPC, PSC, and PPC.

Portland Slag cement is used to create strong and durable structures. If you are constructing your building, get the best durable Portland cement for general construction work.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest mega-structure in the world standing at a height of 2722 feet. This massive skyscraper can withstand earthquakes up to 7 Richter scale. It is built on a 52-foot-deep steel and concrete foundation. The vertical and horizontal loadings are supported by a unique truss system, making it resistant to torsional movements. Shanghai tower with a height of 2000 feet, is the second tallest building in the world. The site is primarily filled with soft, clay-based soil. To make this structure earthquake resistant, engineers incorporated 980 piles and secured 2.15 million cubic feet of reinforced concrete. It also consists of a tuned mass damper to control swaying during earthquake or high winds. A series of shock absorbers helps in optimal counterbalancing. Taipei 101 located in Taiwan is one of the tallest structures in the world. It has a massive internal damper to control swaying and minimize the possibility of structural damage, in case of an earthquake. Recently a few Earthquakes occurred in Northern Indian region.

The foundation of any building is the most important of any other part. Stay updated with the latest architectural innovations in the construction industry.

Ways to Shortlist Real Estate Projects Before Buying (2nd Edition)

In edition 1, we discussed about the ways that will help you shortlist real estate projects before buying. In a market full of real estate builders and projects, it’s difficult and overwhelming to choose the best out of the lot.

However, choosing the best white cement manufacturer and other construction materials isn’t a big task as MP Birla Cement is the frontrunner in concrete game. When it comes to the durability of concrete and endurance of their construction materials, MP Birla Cement is unbeatable.

Let’s resume detailing the important parameters to help you in quick shortlisting of projects:

·         Comparison of Master & Floor Plans

Going at the higher level, analyse the detailed master plan and floor plan of the building. Take into account the number and height of towers, number of floors, apartments at each floor, and then shortlist the project if it suits your preference and needs.

Check and compare the super-built area against the carpet area and see what’s available for consumption. Higher the better! The number of rooms, balconies, utility area, servant rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms available in each flat should match with what your preferences are.

·         Building & Nearby Amenities

Whether you’re single sharing the flat with your mates or a family with kids or without kids, make sure you make a detailed list of must-have amenities to be surrounded with, at all times. For families with/without kids, it is great if the building has sports and fitness-related amenities like Gym, Jogging Track, Courts (Badminton, Basketball etc), Toddler Swimming Pool, Kids Play Area, Creche etc

For families living with elderly, it’s good to have a lawn, small park, yoga/meditation area, medical store, in-house doctor’s clinic, and a reading lounge or library. Another crucial prerequisite to look for is the provision of ample parking space for every flat owner with ideal 2 spots for each a 4-wheeler and 2-wheeler.

·         Compare Bank Loans & Payment Schemes

Always make sure you check and compare the list of associated banks with the project offering home loans. Prefer the one that has tie-up with PSU banks like SBI, PNB, or Allahabad Bank as these banks have a more diligent process of checking documents and the builder’s history where private banks are lacking. PSU banks also carry lower rate of interest and easy payment schemes.

·         Mandatory Clearances

Yet another important criterion for shortlisting a project is the necessary clearances. Check whether your builder has acquired necessary clearances in order to operate as a provider and if these clearances are available to check on request.

Some of the important clearances to check are:

o   Land Registration or Title Deed of the property (in the name of Builder)

o   Encumbrance Certificate (certifies property is free from legal dues)

o   No Objection Certificate (given to Builder from land Seller)

o   Fire Department NOC (to be obtained during pre-construction phase)

o   Environmental clearance (to be obtained from state Pollution Control Boards)

o   Commencement Certificate (certifies commencement of construction)

·         Completion Timeline

Check carefully for the project completion date and never believe on the verbal dates told by the sales person in their pitch. Usually the verbal dates committed always exceed the actual completion time. Check and believe the time mentioned in the sales agreement and the grace period beyond which the builder is made to compensate you.

Apart from above, make sure you check for the quality of construction materials used, durability of concrete, and others because these factors ultimately decide the endurance of the building. Make sure you look for the tag of trusted white cement manufacturers to never regret your decision.